Claim Missing Document
Check
Articles

Found 12 Documents
Search

Assessment of HIV 1 GP120/CD4 Binding Inhibition Potential of Methanolic Extracts of Achyranthes Aspera Leaves Isaac John Umaru; Tensaba Andes Akafa; Ingwu Joseph Akem; Ocheifa Mathew Ngbede; Joseph Oteng; Ashaka Fidelis Utioukpan; Aboki Nwunuji Mijinyawa; Odok Endurance Akam; Ogholo Ogholo Ekup
African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research Vol 2 No 2 (2025): African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/ajmsphr.v2i2.5184

Abstract

Achyranthes aspera (Amaranthaceae) is an important medicinal herb found as a weed throughout Nigeria. Though almost all of its parts are used in traditional systems of medicines, leaves, seeds, roots and shoots are the most important parts which are used medicinally. The present article gives an account of updated information on its phytochemical and pharmacological properties. The Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is still contributing significantly in morbidities and mortalities in the world today. The drugs normally used to treat the infection are costly, toxic, and less effective due to resistance by HIV. Thus, the assessment of gp120-CD4 binding inhibition potential of Achyranthes aspera leaves extract was conducted using gp120-CD4 capture ELISA kits. Aqueous, methanol, and petroleum ether extracts were prepared at 1000, 500 and 250 μg/ml and tested for gp120-CD4 binding inhibition. Sub-cute toxicity assay was done using albino rats; Biochemical parameters including alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) as well as bilirubin for liver and urea, electrolytes and creatinine for kidney functions were evaluated. The results of the effect of crude aqueous, methanol and petroleum ether Achyranthes aspera leaves extract against gp120-CD4 showed inhibition ranging from 1.4 – 17.2 %. with 1000 μg/ml showing highest percentage of inhibition. There was no significant difference (P = 0.862) in terms of percentage inhibition between the three concentrations tested. Methanol extract demonstrated the highest percentage inhibition of gp120-CD4 bindings (17.2 %). No significant difference (P = 0.124) between the three extracts against gp-120-CD4 bindings was observed. The results of the sub-acute toxicity study have shown that, there were no physical changes in animals treated with 500 mg/kg of all the extracts. The result of liver function test revealed that, ALT, AST and ALP were within the normal range (12U/L) for both the high and low concentrations of the extracts including the control. Also result for total protein, albumin, globulin for the test albino rats and that of the control rat were found to be within the normal range 5.1-6.1, 4.2-5.3, and 3.1-3.8 g/dl respectively. For serum electrolyte level, sodium and potassium ions for the various concentrations of the extracts tested and control were also found to be within normal range. The result of kidney function test revealed that, urea, creatinine and direct and total bilirubin of the rats tested and control were all found to be within normal range. In conclusion, ether Achyranthes aspera leaves extract possessed some levels of HIV-1 gp120-CD4 binding inhibition potentials and the extracts was found to be non-toxic at 250 and 500mg/ kg body weight. It can be recommended that, the bioactive compounds should therefore be isolated and tested for gp120-CD4 binding inhibition activity.
Breast Cancer Knowledge as a Predictor of Regular Breast Self-Examination among Women Aged 20–49 in Ejisu Municipality, Ghana Joseph Oteng; Bemhemba Iba; Isaac John Umaru
African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research Vol 3 No 1 (2026): African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/ajmsphr.v3i1.9084

Abstract

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality among women globally, and in low-resource settings such as Ghana, breast self-examination (BSE) remains a cost-effective strategy for early detection, yet a persistent gap exists between awareness and consistent practice. This study assessed women’s knowledge of breast cancer and examined whether knowledge predicts regular BSE practice among women aged 20–49 years in Ejisu Municipality, Ghana. A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 635 women selected using systematic random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing socio-demographic characteristics, breast cancer knowledge, and BSE practice, with knowledge scores categorized as low, moderate, or high using tertiles. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression were applied, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. The mean age of participants was 32.9 ± 7.1 years, and most (67.2%) demonstrated high breast cancer knowledge, primarily sourced from health professionals (53.5%). Although 72.0% had heard of BSE, only 32.1% practiced it monthly as recommended, with key barriers including lack of knowledge of the correct technique (47.8%) and fear of detecting a lump (22.8%). Knowledge level was significantly associated with regular BSE practice (χ² = 42.57, p < 0.001), and multivariate analysis showed that women with high knowledge were more than three times as likely to perform regular BSE (AOR = 3.45, 95% CI: 2.18–5.52, p < 0.001) compared with those with low knowledge. Tertiary education (AOR = 2.26, p = 0.004) and receiving information from health workers (AOR = 2.06, p = 0.008) also independently predicted regular BSE. The study concludes that breast cancer knowledge is a strong predictor of regular BSE practice; despite relatively high awareness, routine BSE remains low due to skill-related and psychological barriers. Strengthening health education with practical demonstrations and integrating BSE counseling into routine clinical care and community outreach may enhance preventive behavior and contribute to earlier breast cancer detection.